Life buoy



Feb. 13, 1923.

H. E. LONG LIFE BUOY Filed July 24, 1922 Patented Feb. 1 3, 1923.

HARRY ERNEST LONG. or WELLINGTON, ew zEALANn- LIFE BUOY.-

7 Application filed July 24, 1922. Serial No. 577,203.

idly constructed and in which the maximum strength, lightness, and utility for life-sav-j ing purposes is obtained. 1

According to this invention the buoy is constructed of a strong cane frame divided into one or more water-tight compartments, stuffed with kapok and covered with a speci ally prepared canvas or other suitable covering. Over these compartments another layer of kapok is employed covered with waterproof canvas. If desired, ropes may be attached around the buoy.

The invention will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1, is a plan of the finished buoy.

Figure 2, is a plan of the frame-work.

Figure 3, is a cross section through the buoy.

Figure 4:, is a cross section through aportion of the buoy drawn to a larger scale than any of the preceding views.

Figure 5, is a plan showing a mode of re info-rcement.

Figure 6, is a perspective view of a detail.

Referring now to the drawings, the buoy consists of a ring 1 of cane, and an outer ring 2 also of cane. Such rings are held in position by cork or wooden braces 3 (see Figure 6) having their inner and outer edges curved as shown, while the rings 1 and 2 are secured to such braces by nails 4. Between the inner and outer rings layers of canvas 5 and 6, cut in a circular shape, are secured by stitching 7 upon the inner sides of the rings 1 and 2. This compartment formed'by the layers 5 and 6 is stuffed with kapok 8 and the upper layer stitched down as the stuffing proceeds, thus forming a casing for the kapok. Other layers of canvas 9 and 10 are similarly cut and secured around the rings 1 and 2 upon the outer side of such rings and stuffed with kapok 11, theedges of the layers 9 and lO-being stitched together at 13, thus forming an outer water-proof casing.

After the inner casing is sewn up the buoy is dipped into a waterproofing solution, and

afterthe outer casing is sewn the buoy is again dipped into the same solution, which renders both the inner and outer casing water-proof so that should the outer casing become, in any way damaged orperforated, and the stuffing below such outer casing become water clogged, the buoy will still float,

since the main portion of the stuffing would be protected by the water-proofed inner casing.

the buoy is simply dipped into the solution and allowed to dry.

In Figure 5, the inner and outer rings 1 and 2 are reinforced by bracing 14 formed of canebent in the form shown and zigzagging from one ring to the other'and secured to the rings by lashing 15.

What I claim is To water proof the inner and outer casing 1. In a life buoy of circular form having I water-proof compartments, a frame consistcasing and such outer casing stuffed with a buoyant material, substantially as described.

2. In a life buoy of circular form having water-tight compartments, an inner ring of cane, an outer ring of cane, braces of wood at intervals between the said rings, said rings being secured tosaid braces, a casing of water-proof canvas sewn to the inner sides of said rings, SfildlIll'lBI casing stuffed wlth kapok, an outer caslng of water-proof canvas secured upon the exterior of the substantially as described;

3. In a life buoy of circular formhaving water-tight compartments, an inner ring rings, the space between said inner casing and said'outer casing stuffed with kapok, O0

and an outer ring, bracessupporting said rings, an inner casing and an outer casing of water-proof canvas attached to the inner and outer sides of said rings, said inner casi Y ing stufied with kepek, end the space he terial, and an outer casing stuffed with buey-- 10 tween said inner casing and said outer casant materiel substantially as described. ing stufled With kepo-k, substantially as de- In testimony whereof, I have signed my scribed. name to this specification in the presence of 4. In a life buoy of circular iorin having two subscribing Witnesses. Water-tight compartments, an inner ring, an HARRY ERNEST LONG outer ring, said rings braced together by Zig- Witnesses: Zag braces formed of cane, an inner casing SYDNEY H. HIGGS, around said rings stuffed with buoyant Amman V. SMITH. 

